rear lowering

[warfman41]

Hey there fellow's, got a couple of quick question's. I saw a thread on here the other day where someone, ( i can't remember who, I've slept since then) put a set of Virago shock's on the rear of an xs that were an inch shorter than the stock one's. I'm curious if his original shock's were 13.5, as that's what mine are as best i can tell. I'd really like to lower my old 79' xs11 about an inch like he has done. My rear shock's are in the lowest setting, but the bike still sit's up a little high for my taste, and make's it somewhat awkward in tight places and on turn-around's. He was commenting about how much better it handled too, and that's what i'm looking for. And also, i was wondering if anyone know's if they still make the old rear lowering block's, that go on the bottom of the shock and set the bottom of the shock back further, which in turn lower's the rear. Thank's guy's, warfman41

[bikerphil]

Factory XS11 shocks were 12 5/8" eye to eye.

[XS1100 Newbie]

In lowering the bike, you will most likely have to remove the center stand, and don't expect to do the corners as well either. Make sure you get a shock that is made for the weight.

[Eveready1100]

Didn't see who that was recently, but Pheonixrider fitted a pair a while ago on my advice. Just do a search on his posts to find the thread.
The shocks were off an XV1100 virago and the spring rates are comparable because the shocks are layed down more on the Virago than the XS which evens out the weight difference and rides comfortably with no bottoming out.
The centre stand can be retained. It just takes a bit more oomph to lift the bike up onto it, or, I normally use a piece of 1" ply under the stand (not the wheels) to lessen the effort to get it up there for ease of maintenance.

[jetmechmarty]

If you only need one inch, going to stock will fix it. That is if your shocks are in fact 13.5" eye to eye.

[warfman41]

Thank's

Okay, thank's guy's. Went out for a ride this afternoon, and i made the comment to my wife, " i think i'll leave these shock's alone they ride so good with 2 people on here". Plus the issue's with making it harder to get on the center stand. I can throw the beast right upon the stand no problem the way it is now. and btw, must have looked at the tape measure wrong last night. Went out and checked again, and the shock's are 12 5/8 like you said were stock. Still wouldn't mind trying some 1" lowering block's if i could find some, just to see if it handled any better. I can alway's take them back off if i don't like the outcome. Thank's again, warfman41